How To Update A Game On 3Ds

How to Update a Game on 3DS

So, you’ve got your trusty Nintendo 3DS and you’re ready to jump into your favorite game, only to be met with a message saying there’s an update available. Don’t worry, it happens to everyone! Updating your 3DS games is important because it often fixes bugs, adds new features, and makes the game even better. It might sound tricky, but it’s actually quite easy. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, ensuring you get back to playing in no time. We’ll explore different ways to get those updates and talk about what to do if you run into any problems. Let’s get started!

Why Game Updates Are Important

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about “why.” Game updates are released by the game developers for many reasons. These updates aren’t just random downloads; they’re carefully designed improvements. Here are a few key reasons why you need to keep your games up-to-date:

• Bug Fixes: Sometimes, games have little mistakes called bugs. These can cause problems like glitches, crashes, or things not working as they should. Updates often fix these bugs, making the game smoother and more enjoyable.
• New Features: Game developers sometimes add new stuff to their games, such as new levels, characters, or game modes. These are usually included in updates and give you more to enjoy.
• Performance Improvements: Updates can make games run better and faster. They may improve how the game looks and feels, which makes playing more fun.
• Security Patches: Some updates include security fixes that protect your console from harmful software. This is important to keep your system and data safe.
• Online Play Compatibility: If a game has an online mode, updates often ensure that everyone can play together. If you don’t have the latest update, you might not be able to join online matches with your friends.

How to Connect Your 3DS to the Internet

The first step to updating your games is getting your 3DS connected to the internet. You need a stable Wi-Fi connection for updates. Here’s how you do it:

Connecting to Wi-Fi

First, make sure your Wi-Fi is turned on. You can find the Wi-Fi option on the main menu of your 3DS. Here’s how to get connected:

1. Turn on your 3DS: Press the power button to turn on your system.
2. Go to System Settings: On the Home Menu, tap the wrench icon to open System Settings.
3. Select Internet Settings: Tap “Internet Settings” in the System Settings Menu.
4. Connection Settings: Tap “Connection Settings.”
5. Choose a Connection Slot: Pick one of the available connection slots. Usually, you’ll be using Slot 1.
6. Select your Wi-Fi Network: Your 3DS will scan for available networks. Choose your home Wi-Fi network from the list.
7. Enter your Wi-Fi password: If your network has a password, you’ll need to enter it here. Make sure you type it in correctly.
8. Test the connection: After entering the password, select “OK.” Your 3DS will test the connection to make sure it works.
9. Save the connection: If the test is successful, tap “Save” to save the connection settings.

Troubleshooting Wi-Fi Connection

Sometimes, connecting to Wi-Fi can be tricky. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Incorrect Password: Make sure you typed the password correctly. Wi-Fi passwords are case-sensitive, so “Password” is different from “password.” Double check and try again.
• Weak Signal: If your Wi-Fi signal is weak, try moving closer to your router. Also make sure nothing is blocking the signal, like metal objects or thick walls.
• Router Issues: Restarting your router may fix the issue. Turn off your router, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. Wait for it to fully connect again and then try to connect to Wi-Fi on your 3DS again.
• Network Compatibility: The 3DS can have issues with some newer Wi-Fi protocols. If you’re using a 5GHz network, try switching to a 2.4GHz network. You might need to change this in your router settings if possible. You also may need to make sure your router is broadcasting a signal that the 3DS can detect, older routers might not support the required protocols.
• Other Devices Interfering: Too many devices connected to your Wi-Fi can slow things down. Try disconnecting other devices temporarily to see if that helps.

Updating Your Game

Once your 3DS is connected to the internet, you are almost ready to update your games. There are generally two main ways to get updates on your 3DS, so lets take a closer look at both.

Updating Through the Game Menu

This is usually the easiest and most common method for updating your games. When you launch a game, it will often automatically check for any available updates. Here’s how it generally works:

1. Start the Game: Insert the game card or select the game you want to update from the Home Menu and start the game.
2. Check for Updates: If an update is available, the game will typically display a message. This message may vary slightly from game to game, but generally it will tell you an update is required before you can play.
3. Follow the Prompts: The game will then guide you through the update process. Usually you will have to select “OK” or “Download” to start the download.
4. Wait for the Download: The game will start downloading the update. This can take some time, depending on the size of the update and the speed of your internet connection. It’s important not to turn off the system or close the game during the download.
5. Restart the Game: Once the download is complete, you will usually be prompted to restart the game for the changes to take effect. Follow the prompts on screen.

Updating Through the Nintendo eShop

Sometimes, games may need updates that don’t prompt directly from the game, or you may want to manually check for an update even if you don’t get a prompt inside the game. In these instances you will have to check for updates through the Nintendo eShop.

1. Open the eShop: Turn on your 3DS, go to the Home Menu and select the eShop icon.
2. Log In: You might be prompted to log in using your Nintendo Network ID. If this is the first time, you will need to make an account.
3. Go to Menu: Once logged in, look for the “Menu” or “Settings” button, usually in the top-left corner of the screen. It’s usually indicated by three horizontal lines. Tap this.
4. Select Downloads: From the menu, find and tap “Your Downloads”. This section will show you the games you have purchased through the eShop, and any games that have been updated.
5. Check for Updates: If you see a game that has a download icon (often an arrow pointing downwards) next to it, that indicates an update is available. Tap the update icon.
6. Download and Install: Tap the “Download” button for the update. The update will begin to download and install itself. Again, you need to have a working internet connection.
7. Restart the Game: Once the download is finished, go back to your Home Menu and start the game. It will now have the latest update applied.

What to do if Updates are Not Working

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and updates can fail to download or install. Here are some common issues and fixes:

Common Issues and Solutions

• Download Errors: If you see an error message during the download, try restarting your 3DS and trying again. This may also be a sign that your internet connection is unstable, and moving closer to your Wi-Fi router might help.
• Storage Space Issues: The 3DS has limited storage space for game updates and downloads. If you get a message saying that you don’t have enough space, you may need to delete some games or save files to free up space. You can also move your game data to an SD card to free up space.
• System Update Required: Sometimes, a game update may need a system update first. In this case, your 3DS should prompt you to update the system software. Do this by going to system settings, and selecting the system update option.
• Game Server Issues: If there is an issue with Nintendo’s servers, game updates may not be available. In this instance, the best thing you can do is try again later. Nintendo typically resolves server issues relatively quickly.

Other Troubleshooting Tips

• Check Your Internet Connection: Even if you were able to connect to Wi-Fi, check to make sure your internet is still working. You can do this on another device such as a phone or laptop.
• Restart Your Router: Sometimes, your router might need a restart. Turn it off, wait a minute, and turn it back on to see if that helps with the downloads.
• Check Nintendo’s Website: If you are still having trouble, check Nintendo’s official website. They sometimes have information about server maintenance or any current problems that might be causing download issues.
• Contact Support: If all else fails, Nintendo customer support is always a good option to help you get back on track with downloading your updates.

Checking Game Update History

It’s not always easy to tell if a game has been updated, but there are a few ways you can try to figure out if a game has already been updated. Here are some methods you can try:

• Game Splash Screen: Sometimes, games will have a little note on the startup splash screen (the first screen you see when the game loads) to inform you what version the game is currently running on. Look out for version numbers or update notices when starting a game.
• In-Game Options Menu: Many games may have a specific option in their options or settings menu which shows you what version of the game is currently installed. Check around these menus for details on your installed version.
• Compare with Friends: If you have a friend who also plays the same game, compare your version numbers to theirs. if there is a difference, it could indicate that one of you has an update installed and the other does not.
• Online Game Features: If the game has online play, and you are unable to join games with other people, this could indicate that you are running on an older version and need to update.
• Nintendo’s Website: Check the official website for the game you are playing, as they may post updates on the official webpage for the game, along with what version number the newest update is.

Managing Digital Downloads and SD Card Space

With digital games, keeping track of updates is super important. Here are a few tips for managing your downloads and SD card space:

Understanding SD Cards

Your 3DS uses SD cards to store games, updates, save data, and other content. Make sure you have enough space. If you download many games, consider investing in a larger capacity card.

Transferring Game Data

You can move games and other data from the 3DS system memory to your SD card. Go to System Settings, select Data Management, then choose Nintendo 3DS. Here, you can copy or move data between the system and the SD card. This can free up space on your system’s memory, allowing for larger downloads in the future.

Managing Your Downloads

The eShop keeps track of your purchased games. By using the methods outlined earlier, you can easily update them as needed. If you have too many digital downloads you don’t play often, try archiving or deleting them to save space.

Keeping your 3DS games updated makes them more fun and secure. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy all the latest features and improvements. Remember to always have a stable internet connection, and that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy your favorite games.